Erie radio stations to have new owner

Thursday

6 Erie-area radio stations and one in New York state are involved in an exchange between iHeartMedia and Connoisseur Media.

A group of Erie radio stations will soon have a new owner.

Stations WRTS-FM/Star 104, WRKT-FM/Rocket 105, WXBB-FM/Bob 94.7, WTWF-FM/93.9 the Wolf, WJET-AM/1400 and WFNN-AM/1330 will join iHeartMedia as part of an exchange with the stations' current owner, Connoisseur Media. WLTM-FM/Lite 95.9 in Mina, New York, is also part of the exchange, according to a news release from iHeartMedia.

In return, Connoisseur will receive two stations in Frederick, Maryland. Connoisseur has owned and operated the Erie stations since 2006 when it purchased them from NextMedia.

"The move makes sense from a logistical standpoint since iHeart is already dominant in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, so adding Erie to their portfolio will make us a regional asset," said Michael Malpiedi, general manager of the Erie stations. "I believe this move will be great for Erie because it will afford us more resources and collaboration within our neighboring cities."

The stations employ about 40 people. Malpiedi said it is too early to speculate on any potential format or staff changes.

The agreement is expected to be completed later this spring and is subject to approval from the Federal Communications Commission.

All seven stations will be available on iHeartRadio, the company's digital music, on demand, podcasting and live streaming service.

David Bruce can be reached at 870-1736 or by email. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ETNbruce.

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